Ferol Lee Johnston

Ferol Lee Johnston passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at Lavender Hills Assisted Living, surrounded by the love she spent a lifetime giving to others.

Ferol was born on July 23, 1929, in Delta, Colorado, to Clyde and Ophelia Morris. In her early years, her family moved to California and settled at 10701 Magnolia in Anaheim—a home filled with laughter, warmth, and many treasured memories that would remain close to her heart.

Ferol professed to serve God at a very young age and sought to keep that vow throughout her whole life. Not too long ago in a car ride she mentioned the thing she wanted most was to be with Jesus.

Ferol once insisted she would never marry, turning away several suitors—until she met Jimmie Lee Johnston, an Indiana boy who completely swept her off her feet. The two were married on September 7, 1956, beginning a beautiful partnership that lasted 62 years, until Jimmie’s passing on March 5, 2018.

As a young woman, Ferol worked at Knott’s Berry Farm picking fruit, but it wasn’t long before her talent with numbers was noticed and she was moved behind the counter to serve customers. Later, she built a successful career with the Telephone Company, first as an operator and eventually as a manager—roles that perfectly matched her sharp mind and steady spirit.

Throughout her married life, Ferol devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She was a loving homemaker, devoted mother to Ted, Janet, Johna, and Linda, and a constant partner and assistant to Jim in his many business ventures. Ferol was known as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess; her home was always open, her table always beautifully set, and everyone was made to feel welcome.

After marrying, Jim and Ferol moved to Indio, California, where they raised their family. In 1981, while Linda was still at home, they relocated to El Granada, California, and later to Half Moon Bay. In 1993, they returned to Colorado, where they built homes and later opened Golden Orchard Assisted Living facilities. Ferol served as the administrator, often juggling two cell phones and Denver traffic all at once—handling it all with humor, grace, remarkable efficiency and always sporting her classy skirt suit and pair of heels.

In 2019, Ferol moved to Redding, California, to be closer to her daughter Janet and to live at Lavender Hills Assisted Living. She quickly became a beloved presence there, cherished by staff and residents alike.

Ferol will be remembered as an amazing, hardworking, selfless, beautiful, and gracious woman who truly loved people and found joy in helping others. She adored the color pink, tea parties, setting a pretty table, elephants, and—of course—candy. Most of all, she loved her family and friends with her whole heart.

Ferol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jimmie Johnston; her parents, Clyde and Ophelia Morris; and her brothers, Theron, Chuck, and Aubrey Morris.

She is survived by her son, Ted (Cathy) Johnston, daughters, Janet (Mark) Coulter, John’alee (Ken) Burk and Linda (Steve) Shannon, 13 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, and sister Joyce (Teddy) Shay Kettler, all of whom were a source of tremendous pride and joy in her life.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Lavender Hills Assisted Living, Freedom Hospice, and the many friends who visited, shared stories, and brought joy to Ferol’s days.